Starbucks chairman and chief executive officer, Howard Schultz, shares his gratitude for the welcoming reception China has extended to Starbucks over the past two decades with China President Xi Jinping at the Seattle Welcome Dinner. Photo credit required: Alabastro Photography Former U.S. Ambassador to China Gary Locke (center) closed the Seattle Welcome Dinner by honoring China’s President Xi Jinping (left) with a traditional toast of Starbucks Pike Place Special Reserve coffee. Current Washington Governor Jay Inslee (right) joined in the toast. See also: Partner Letters from the President of Starbucks China, as President Xi Visits Seattle For more information on this news release, contact us .